by Sonia Parin
“Caro. What did Mrs. Sheffield say?”
“Promise you won’t get cross. She… She finds the way you express yourself and your accent offensive.”
“M-my… my accent? And what is wrong with the way I express myself? It’s not as if I sound like Ward McAllister.” Evie cupped her chin in her hand and shook her head in disbelief.
“Ward McAllister? Who is he?”
Evie waved her other hand. “Oh, he’s someone my granny met once at a picnic in Newport many, many years ago. The man used to throw lavish picnics and never pay for anything. He’d say something along the lines of ‘Eg Winthrop will send a saddle of lamb, don’ cha know, don’ cha see. Mrs. Astor’s chef will garnish a salmon, don’ cha know, don’ cha see.’ My granny does a better impersonation.”
“I’m sorry,” Caro offered. “I’ve upset you.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. I’ve been upset for a couple of days now. For heaven’s sake, I invited the woman into my home. You would think she’d have better manners. I don’t believe I have ever heard anyone being so critical.” Evie huffed out a breath.
“I suppose I shouldn’t mention what she said about the food…”
Evie gasped. “No. Please tell me she didn’t criticize the food.”
Caro gave a small nod.
“But everyone always enjoys the food offered at Halton House.” Evie surged to her feet. “What I find most distressing is the fact the others enjoyed the afternoon tea. Mrs. Sheffield is not only criticizing me, she is also belittling everyone else who enjoys what I have to offer.” She gave a firm nod. “The dowager is right. I need to put a stop to her. The sooner, the better.”
Chapter Four
A thing long expected takes the form of the
unexpected when at last it comes
– Mark Twain
The Village of Halton
“It’s a lovely spring day for a walk, but time is of the essence.” Evie felt guilty abandoning her guests even though she knew they didn’t need her hovering around. Nevertheless, she wanted to return to Halton House as soon as possible and continue working on the menus for her granny’s visit. “Thank you for driving us, Tom.”
“My pleasure.”
Evie tipped her head back and smiled up at the sky. Another perfect day in the countryside, she thought. Far too pleasant to risk running into Mrs. Sheffield.
Evie’s smile faded. Her back teeth gritted with determination. She refused to allow the woman to take possession of her thoughts.
Leaning over the passenger seat, Evie smiled at Caro. Seated on the rumble seat, her maid had one hand on her hat and the other on the backrest, her knuckles showing white.
“I almost forgot to tell you,” Evie said. “I telephoned the town house and spoke with Millicent. She will arrive either later today or early tomorrow morning. You might want to let the downstairs staff know. She will call from the train station. In case I forget, please let Edmonds know. He’ll need to collect her at the train station.”
Tom turned into the main street, driving at a sedate pace. The villagers were out and about tending to their daily business and stopping for chats. Evie smiled with appreciation. She could live anywhere in the world, and yet, she couldn’t imagine moving away any time soon. Yes, she lived up at the big house, but everyone had accepted her as part of the small community. This was home.
“Oh,” Caro exclaimed right before her arm appeared between Tom and Evie, her finger stretched out and pointed at something ahead.
Evie looked up and gasped.
“What do you think that is all about?” Caro asked, her finger still pointed toward their destination, Mrs. Green’s dressmaking shop.
“I daresay, we will soon find out,” Tom murmured and stopped the motor car across the green. “By the way, next time you notice something unusual, please ease into it. My heart is punching hard against my chest.”
Two police constables stood by the front door blocking the entrance to Mrs. Green’s establishment. A few local villagers had gathered there, standing a few feet away, almost as if they had been herded away from the front door and told to keep their distance.
“Do you think someone has broken in?” Caro asked.
“What made you say that?”
“We’ve never had a burglary in the village,” Caro explained. “If given the choice, I would prefer a burglary over a murder.”
Evie exchanged a look with Tom that spoke of amusement and asked, “Have you developed an aversion to murder?”
“I haven’t given it any thought, milady. I suppose I only wished to avoid sounding ghoulish.”
Tom emerged from the motor car and helped Caro climb down from the rumble seat. Evie didn’t wait for him to open the passenger door. She emerged from the motor car and stood for a moment in front of a store window studying the reflection of Mrs. Green’s store across the street.
“Someone is bound to know something,” Caro suggested. “Would you like me to ask? I’ll be discreet.”
“I suppose we should all go.” Everyone who’d been standing by had now turned to look at them.
“Oh,” Caro yelped. “We seem to have attracted their attention. Should we look away and pretend we haven’t noticed them noticing us?”
“I don’t see why we should.” Tom shrugged. “We have as much right to stand here gawking as they have.”
Yes, but Evie would bet anything the people standing across the street knew a lot more than they did. However, she couldn’t send Caro to scout for information because everyone would recognize her as Evie’s maid. The Countess of Woodridge simply couldn’t appear to be taking part in anything that resembled a scandal. She had no trouble hearing Henrietta say it would be beneath her.
“Perhaps we should wait and see what happens,” Evie suggested. “Let’s go into the tearoom and sit by the window to watch the proceedings.”
“Wait,” Caro said. “Someone is coming out. Oh… Oh. Oh, my goodness.”
If Evie had not seen it with her own eyes, she would not have believed it.
Henrietta appeared at Mrs. Green’s door, her parasol in hand. She stopped for a moment to take in the scene. Then, lifting her chin, she walked to her motor car. Her chauffeur hurried to hold the door open for her. As the car pulled away, Henrietta looked out of the passenger window and straight at Evie.
“I suppose this means our tea will have to wait,” Evie said. “At least until we reach the dower house.”
They all piled back into the roadster and followed Henrietta’s car at a discreet distance.
Once they reached the dower house, they made their way to the front door. Just as Tom lifted his hand to knock on the front door, they heard the distant sound of a siren.
“An ambulance,” Caro murmured.
“We shouldn’t jump to conclusions,” Evie warned.
Hearing the door open, they all turned and saw Henrietta’s butler, Bradley, looking down at them.
“Good morning, Bradley. Is the dowager receiving visitors this morning?” Evie asked even as she took a step forward.
“Certainly, my lady.” He opened the door wider and gestured them through.
“That’s a relief,” Caro murmured. “I feared the dowager might have been in too much shock to see anyone.”
“Why would you think that?” Evie asked. Although, she too had entertained a similar thought.
“Something has clearly happened. Should I wait out in the hallway?” Caro asked.
“No, I’m sure Henrietta won’t mind if you come into the drawing room.”
They found the dowager standing by the window.
When they entered, she turned and rushed toward Evie.
“My dear Evangeline. You have spared me a trip to Halton House. I would have rushed there straightaway but I needed to compose myself. Do sit down. Bradley will bring in some tea. I have had the most horrendous morning. You would not believe it even if you had been there to witness it. The police questioned me.” Henrietta pressed a
lace handkerchief to her brow. “I have been held as a suspect. The news will have traveled the length and breadth of the entire county by now. I shall henceforth be known as the notorious dowager.”
“Henrietta. What happened?”
“I stand accused of assault.”
Chapter Five
The dowager… Accused of assault?
It took two cups of tea and a splash of brandy before Henrietta finally explained how she had visited Mrs. Green’s store that morning. Although, the brandy caused her to meander her way through her tale.
Giving a brisk smile, Henrietta said, “Mrs. Green has a new dressmaker, Abigail. Lovely girl.”
Evie exchanged a look with Tom and Caro who had both stood back giving Evie ample room to deal with the situation.
Henrietta continued, “As you know, Mrs. Green has a drawing room set up in the rear of her shop for her more distinguished patrons.”
Doing her best to remain calm, Evie nodded. “Yes, I’ve often admired the dainty pieces she has on display.”
Henrietta shrugged. “Her tea service is somewhat dated but one can always appreciate good quality china.”
Evie clasped the dowager’s hand. “Henrietta, what happened?”
“Well, I had been sitting in the pretty drawing room, admiring a picture when I heard the most dreadful remarks coming from the front of the store where Mrs. Green has an area designated for the general public. I’ll spare you the details of my reaction. Suffice to say, I went through several stages in quick succession. From disbelief to utter astonishment to extreme displeasure. This resulted in me having words with that dreadful woman, Mrs. Sheffield.” Henrietta pressed her hand to her chest.
Evie made an attempt to picture the scene but failed miserably. “I… I don’t understand.”
“Which part don’t you understand, my dear?”
Evie looked confused enough for the dowager to comprehend her meaning.
Drawing in a calming breath, the dowager recounted her experience. “As I waited for the seamstress to make a few adjustments to my gown, I overheard Mrs. Sheffield speaking ill of you. I could not stand by and allow that dreadful woman to drag your name through the mud. So, I made my way to the front of the store and confronted her. She did not look surprised to see me. I can only assume she meant for me to overhear her remarks.”
Goodness, Evie thought. What could she possibly have said?
“It really does not bear repeating, my dear,” Henrietta said almost as if she had read Evie’s thoughts. “Needless to say, she deserved a thorough dressing down and that could only come from me. I feel partly responsible for allowing her behavior to continue unchecked for as long as it has. Although, in reality, it has only been a few days since she has launched her attack but the woman’s spiteful words have the power to spread like wildfire and influence other people.” Henrietta gave an impatient shake of her head. “I shall never understand why people are so driven by negativity and the need to make their mark in the world with it.”
Evie’s brow puckered. Exactly how long had Mrs. Sheffield been waging this war against her?
The dowager continued, “I took the liberty to inform her she would no longer be received at Halton House.”
Evie heard Caro gasp.
“You were within your rights, Henrietta. I’m sorry she upset you so.” Her eyebrows drew downward. “We saw two constables standing outside. Who called them in?”
Henrietta shifted. “Mrs. Sheffield went on a rampage right before she swooned and collapsed. No one knew what to do. Mrs. Green, thank goodness, acted promptly and called… Well, she called someone. Either the police or the doctor.” Henrietta leaned back. “What will your grandmother think of me now?”
“Don’t you worry about my granny,” Evie assured her. “She would never think less of you, especially not since you were doing your duty.” Glancing over her shoulder, she made eye contact with Tom. She nudged her head in the general direction of the village and hoped he would understand her meaning. The sooner they had some hard facts, the better.
Giving a nod, he stepped out.
“Is there something I can do?” Caro asked.
“Oh yes, my dear. Could you fetch my shawl, please? It’s Mariah’s day off.” The dowager turned to Evie. “That’s my new maid. Did I tell you I had a new maid?”
Evie patted her hand. “I think I should send for Dr. Browning.”
“Oh, you needn’t bother. I’m only feeling slightly shaken by the ordeal. More tea. Yes, that’s what I need.” Henrietta stared into space, her lips slightly parted, her eyes not blinking. Snapping out of her stupor, she pulled on her lace handkerchief and then turned her attention to a pretty brooch. She straightened it and then looked at her hands…
Evie felt helpless. She’d never seen Henrietta fretting.
A moment later, Caro appeared at the door and signaled to Evie.
“I’ll be back shortly.” Evie stepped out into the hallway and whispered, “I’ve never seen the dowager in such a state.” She placed a call to Dr. Browning. His assistant took a message and promised the doctor would attend to the dowager as soon as he could. Ending the call, Evie turned to Caro and saw the look of concern on her face. “What is it, Caro?”
“News has reached the downstairs servants, milady,” Caro said. “No one would say how they heard it but I’m guessing Mrs. Sheffield’s maid has something to do with it. Apparently, the dowager assaulted Mrs. Sheffield with her parasol.”
Evie pressed her hand to her mouth. It seemed so out of character for Henrietta. “I… I can’t believe it. In fact, I can’t even picture it.”
“Perhaps it’s only a rumor,” Caro suggested.
“Oh, yes. Let’s hope it is. I wish Tom would hurry up with some news. I really don’t wish to push Henrietta for more information.”
“With your permission, I would like to return to the village and see what I can find out.”
Evie nodded. “Yes. Yes, that would be good. Thank you, Caro.” She took the shawl and returned to the drawing room where she found Henrietta laughing softly.
“I’m sorry,” Henrietta said. “I realize it must look odd to find me laughing but I’m only now remembering how Mrs. Sheffield sputtered. I doubt anyone has ever dared to stand up to her. I found the experience most gratifying even if the aftermath has left me feeling somewhat unsettled. I’m not accustomed to raising my voice but she left me no choice.”
Evie arranged the shawl around Henrietta’s shoulders and settled on a chair by her side. “Please don’t be annoyed with me. I have telephoned Dr. Browning.”
Henrietta’s eyes brightened. “Now I’m remembering Mrs. Green’s look of shock. I always found her to be somewhat timid. Yet, she managed to find her voice. She accused us of lacking good manners, refinement and grace. Unfortunately, she stepped in the way of Mrs. Sheffield’s tantrum and received a fist in the face.” Henrietta’s voice lowered to an apologetic whisper, “I’m afraid we may need to find another dressmaker.”
Chapter Six
When a bad situation turns worse…
When Tom and Caro returned to the dower house, they both related similar stories. Henrietta had not exaggerated and word about her confrontation had spread throughout the village. However, Henrietta would be pleased to learn she had been hailed as a heroine and praised for her steadfast retaliation.
“Perhaps I should withhold that tidbit.” Evie wrung her hands together. “It will only go to her head. Then again, I don’t wish her to feel she will never be able to set foot outside her house again.” Evie looked toward the drawing room door. “Dr. Browning is with her now.” Turning back, she saw Tom and Caro having a wordless conversation. “Is there something else?”
Caro nudged Tom. “You go first. If you leave anything out, I’ll fill in the gaps.”
“Do I need to sit down for this?” Evie asked.
“Perhaps it might be best if you do.” Caro drew out a chair for her. Evie’s legs wobbled slightly as she ease
d down onto it.
Tom cleared his throat. “Do you remember hearing the ambulance siren?”
“How could I forget? Actually… Yes, I had forgotten. What about it? Did Mrs. Sheffield take a turn for the worst? Henrietta mentioned something about Mrs. Green coming between them and Mrs. Sheffield landing a blow on her face. I will have to dig deep for some sympathy for Mrs. Sheffield. I suppose she must have suffered some distress too. Or is it Mrs. Green? Is something wrong with her?” Evie stopped and drew in a shaky breath. Belatedly, she realized she’d blabbered on because she didn’t want to hear the rest of the news. Evie gave a small nod. “I’m sorry, you were saying…”
“There’s no easy way to say this.” Tom looked down at the floor and then back up at Evie. “The ambulance took away a body.”
Startled by the news, Evie pressed her hand to her chest. “Mrs. Green?”
Tom gave a slow shake of his head. When he spoke, his voice carried the caution of someone who knew he was about to deliver bad news, “Mrs. Sheffield.”
Evie’s head moved from side to side as she slipped into a state of instant denial. Oh, no. No. No. This couldn’t be happening. Someone had made a mistake.
Determined to confirm it, Caro gave a vigorous nod. “She’s dead. Stone cold dead. Gone to meet her maker dead.”
The door to the drawing room opened and Dr. Browning stepped out.
Setting aside her shock, Evie asked, “How is the dowager?”
“As well as can be expected,” he said. “She sounds cohesive but still shaken by her ordeal. I have recommended resting for a few days. Yes, peace and quiet. That’s what she needs.”
Evie’s fingers wrapped around the armrest. “Dr. Browning, did you… did you by any chance attend to Mrs. Sheffield?”
